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Have your kids ever introduced you to something you never expected to love? Maybe they got you hooked on the Pokémon Trading Card Game, convinced you to explore Minecraft, or introduced you to a quirky game like Meccha Chameleon. In this episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe explore how our kids can expand our interests, introduce us to new fandoms, and sometimes turn us into bigger nerds than they are! The episode begins with the Question of the Week: "What's something your kids introduced you to that you ended up loving?" Charles and Joe share examples of the unexpected ways parenting can lead to new hobbies and interests, including the Pokémon TCG, Minecraft, and Meccha Chameleon. It's a fun reminder that while parents often introduce their children to the things they love, kids can be just as influential when it comes to discovering new games, hobbies, and fandoms. Then the traditional Roll of the Dice takes us into "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Charles shares updates about his latest professional and creative adventures. He's stepping into a new role as an EMT teacher while also working as a social media consultant. But that's not all—Charles also talks about his other creative pursuits, including The Little Brown Pill, bringing even more projects into an already busy schedule. Joe has professional news of his own, sharing details about a recent job interview and the potential new position he's hoping to land. It's a behind-the-scenes look at balancing career opportunities, creative ambitions, and everything else life throws at busy dads. Next, it's time for Bad Dad Jokes, featuring contributions from Joe, ShadyPuppy, and Joe's father-in-law. The dice have spoken, the jokes are ready, and the groans are inevitable. If you enjoy pun-filled humor and the kind of jokes that make everyone question why they laughed, this segment is for you! The Parliament of Papas then takes on a question that has sparked debates in kitchens and refrigerators everywhere: When do someone else's leftovers become fair game? Is there an unwritten waiting period before abandoned food becomes available to the rest of the household? Does it depend on whether the food has been sitting there for a day, three days, or an entire week? Charles and Joe dig into the etiquette of leftovers, family food rules, and the delicate balance between avoiding food waste and accidentally eating the lunch someone was saving for tomorrow. For "What Are You Nerding Out About?", Joe shares some of the conversations he's been having with his wife about purchasing new electronics, including upgrades like new computer monitors. But the big excitement is gaming-related: Joe is especially happy about his plans to purchase the special Zelda edition of the Nintendo Switch 2. For Nintendo fans and Zelda enthusiasts, it's a reminder that sometimes the perfect gaming upgrade is about more than hardware—it's about celebrating the franchises we love. Charles, meanwhile, talks about an unexpectedly fun way to connect with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. He's been exchanging TikTok videos with a listener from Australia, and the experience feels a lot like having a modern-day pen pal. Their back-and-forth has become a fun form of cultural exchange, sharing humor, interests, and glimpses into life on opposite sides of the world. It's a great example of how fandom and online communities can build genuine connections, even when thousands of miles separate people. Finally, the episode wraps up with "How Do I...?", where Charles and Joe discuss strategies for applying for jobs and handling interviews. From preparing for opportunities to presenting yourself confidently and navigating the interview process, they explore ways to approach the job hunt while managing the uncertainty that comes with pursuing a new role. Whether you're actively searching for work, considering a career change, or simply preparing for your next opportunity, this conversation offers practical ideas to consider. From the unexpected hobbies our kids introduce us to and the never-ending debate over leftover food to Nintendo Switch 2 excitement, international TikTok friendships, career changes, and job interview advice, this episode brings together the humor, heart, and nerdy enthusiasm that make Wise_N_Nerdy unique. Whether you're a parent, a Pokémon fan, a Minecraft player, a Zelda enthusiast, a fellow job seeker, or someone who just wants to debate refrigerator etiquette, there's something here for you. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another episode celebrating the connections between family, fandom, and everyday life! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which fictional dad do you secretly relate to the most? Are you the well-meaning but accident-prone Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor from Home Improvement, or do you have more in common with the dad from A Christmas Story? Joe welcomes author Bob McGough to another episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, where fatherhood meets fandom, bad dad jokes are a competitive sport, and even a nostalgic video game can turn into an adventure in breaking the rules! The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “Which fictional dad (good or hilariously bad) do you secretly relate to the most?” Bob McGough connects with Tim Taylor, the DIY-loving sitcom dad whose enthusiasm frequently outpaces his common sense. Joe, meanwhile, finds himself relating to the father from A Christmas Story. It's a nostalgic conversation about fictional fatherhood, the ridiculous moments of family life, and the dads who remind us that nobody has parenting completely figured out. Then the Roll of the Dice sends the hosts straight into Bad Dad Jokes, but this time there's a challenge on the table! Joe's son Bob throws down the gauntlet, challenging Bob McGough to see who can deliver the best terrible dad jokes. With two Bobs in the mix and plenty of pun potential, the only question is whether the winner deserves a trophy or an immediate timeout. Get ready for some groans, some laughs, and the kind of jokes that make being a dad feel like a competitive discipline. Next up is “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where Bob McGough shares his excitement about a new bookshelf and the LEGO creations he's displaying on it. For fans of LEGO builds, display shelves, and finding ways to show off your favorite nerdy collections, Bob's latest project is right at home in this conversation. Joe, meanwhile, has returned to the legendary Nintendo classic The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, playing the version available through Nintendo Switch Online. But this isn't just a standard nostalgic playthrough. Joe has been experimenting with glitches and sequence breaks, attempting to reach places and accomplish objectives in ways the developers never intended players to follow. That leads to a deeper discussion about video game exploits and the fun of pushing games beyond their intended boundaries, including memories of using glitches to get into places you weren't supposed to reach in Halo 2. Whether you're a Zelda fan, a retro gaming enthusiast, or someone who loves discovering hidden tricks in classic games, this segment is a trip down gaming's glitch-filled memory lane. The dice then bring us to “How Do I...?”, where Joe and Bob tackle a challenge familiar to many parents: maintaining an open dialogue with teenage children. As kids grow more independent, keeping communication strong can become increasingly difficult. The hosts discuss the importance of creating an environment where teenagers feel comfortable talking honestly with their parents, even when the conversations are uncomfortable or the topics are difficult. It's a thoughtful discussion about trust, listening, and making sure your kids know they can come to you when it matters most. Then comes “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where a conversation about Joe filling out a RECA claim brings up a deeply personal and difficult memory from his first semester in college. Joe recounts a frightening experience involving his mother's care facility administering the wrong dosage of cancer medication, which led to psychosis and her temporary commitment to a mental health facility. It's a serious and emotional story about a family crisis, the impact of medical errors, and an unexpected chapter in Joe's life. This segment offers a reminder that behind the humor and nerdy conversations, real family experiences can be complicated, painful, and profoundly memorable. Finally, the Parliament of Papas takes on a Reddit story that begins with a sweet moment between a grandmother and her grandchildren. During their time together, she shows them how to observe a double sunset and explains how the phenomenon is possible because of the Earth's curvature and the way the landscape and horizon affect what they can see. The wholesome science lesson takes an unexpected turn when the children's mother, who believes the Earth is flat, becomes offended. Joe and Bob discuss the family conflict, the role of grandparents in sharing knowledge with grandchildren, and what happens when a simple educational moment clashes with deeply held beliefs. From fictional sitcom dads and competitive dad jokes to LEGO displays, Zelda glitches, parenting teenagers, difficult family memories, and a Reddit debate about science and flat Earth beliefs, this episode delivers the wide-ranging conversations you've come to expect from Wise_N_Nerdy. Whether you're a fan of Home Improvement, A Christmas Story, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Halo 2, LEGO, parenting discussions, or hilarious Reddit stories, there's something here for you. Join Joe and Bob McGough for an episode that celebrates nerdy hobbies, honest fatherhood conversations, and the unexpected stories that bring people together. Find your FAMdom and join us for another adventure where family life and fandom collide! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What movie or TV show would you use to explain the complicated concept of time travel to your child? Would you go with the classic The Time Machine, send them back to the future with Marty McFly, or introduce them to the time-bending story of Timeline? Charles and Joe tackle that question—and plenty of other nerdy and fatherhood-related topics—in another packed episode of Wise_N_Nerdy! The episode begins with the Question of the Week: "If your child asked you to explain time travel, which movie or show would you use as your teaching tool?" Charles and Joe explore some of their favorite time-travel stories, including The Time Machine, Back to the Future, and Timeline, while considering which fictional explanations might actually make sense to a curious kid. Because explaining paradoxes, alternate timelines, and temporal mechanics to a child is definitely something every parent has on their to-do list! Then the Roll of the Dice unexpectedly sends the dads into the "How Do I...?" segment, which Charles is tentatively considering renaming "The Dad Manual." This time, the focus is on advice for new fathers. Charles and Joe discuss one of the most important things a new dad can do after a baby arrives: recognizing that his partner is going to be exhausted and that her body is recovering from giving birth. The conversation focuses on practical ways new fathers can step up, take responsibility, and reduce the burden on their partner rather than waiting to be asked what needs to be done. From helping with the baby to handling household responsibilities and simply being attentive to what their partner needs, becoming a new dad is about more than learning how to hold a newborn—it's about becoming a teammate. Next, the dice lead into "What Are You Nerding Out About?", where Charles dives into the world of Resident Evil. He talks about the new Resident Evil movie and his experiences with the franchise as a whole, exploring the enduring appeal of one of gaming and horror's most recognizable franchises. If you're a fan of survival horror, zombies, video games, or the ever-expanding Resident Evil universe, this conversation is right up your alley. Meanwhile, Joe is nerding out over the LitRPG series Defiance of the Fall by TheFirstDefier, also known as JF Brink. The conversation gives LitRPG fans another series to potentially add to their reading list as Joe dives into what has him hooked on this progression-fantasy adventure. Then the fates bring us to "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," and September turns out to have provided plenty of material. Following Dragon Con, Charles jumped into a new professional chapter as a teacher at an EMT school. Meanwhile, Joe has been dealing with a very busy September of his own, putting in a significant amount of overtime nearly every Friday night. Joe also discusses a potential new job opportunity, adding another twist to an already hectic month. Of course, no Wise_N_Nerdy episode would be complete without some Bad Dad Jokes. This time, the dice deliver not one but two contributions from the Wise_N_Nerdy community, with one joke from Stephen Adams and another from TougasRose. Prepare yourself for the inevitable groans. Finally, the Parliament of Papas tackles an important parenting topic: how do you help your kids deal with bullies and recognize when a situation is escalating? Charles and Joe discuss the importance of teaching children how to respond to difficult situations, when to seek help from adults, and how parents can give their kids practical tools for handling conflict without making a bad situation worse. From time-travel movies and new-dad advice to Resident Evil, LitRPGs, career changes, overtime, terrible dad jokes, and conversations about bullying, this episode covers a lot of ground while staying true to what Wise_N_Nerdy does best: bringing fatherhood and fandom together. Whether you're a new dad, a longtime parent, a Resident Evil fan, a LitRPG reader, a time-travel enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a good conversation between nerdy dads, there's something here for you. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure filled with stories, laughs, nerdy obsessions, and practical fatherhood advice. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could choose any fictional character to be your kid's mentor? Would you trust Yoda to teach them the ways of the Force? Maybe Uncle Iroh would be the perfect source of wisdom, or Gandalf could guide them through life's biggest adventures. Or perhaps someone like Steve Rogers, Charles Xavier, or Mr. Miyagi would have exactly the kind of advice your kid needs. Joe and Devocite tackle that question and plenty of unexpected detours in this episode of Wise_N_Nerdy! The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: "Which fictional mentor would you want giving your kid advice — Yoda, Uncle Iroh, Gandalf, or someone else entirely?" The conversation quickly expands beyond the obvious choices as Joe and Devo consider what makes someone a great mentor and which fictional characters might actually have something valuable to teach the next generation. Then the Roll of the Dice sends the dads into "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Joe and Devocite share some entertaining travel stories involving GPS mishaps, wrong directions, getting lost, and the kinds of travel problems that seem funny once you've finally made it to your destination. Because sometimes the greatest adventure isn't the one you planned—it's the one where your GPS decides it knows better than you do! Next, the dice bring us to Bad Dad Jokes, and Devocite comes prepared. Literally. Armed with an actual stack of joke-filled magazines, Devo starts pulling out dad jokes with the dedication of a man who has been preparing for this moment his entire life. The results are exactly as gloriously groan-worthy as you'd expect. For "What Are You Nerding Out About?", Devocite dives into the quirky science-fiction adventure We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor. The conversation explores what makes the story such an entertaining read while giving listeners another potential addition to their nerdy reading list. Devo also talks about some of the upgrades and projects he's working on in his workshop. Meanwhile, Joe has his own literary connection to nerdy creativity. He's once again serving as a beta reader for author J. Abram Barneck, marking the second time Joe has had the opportunity to help review one of Barneck's upcoming works. It's another glimpse into the behind-the-scenes side of writing, reading, and being part of a creative community. Then the Parliament of Papas convenes to tackle a particularly frustrating beach scenario. Imagine leaving your belongings behind temporarily, only to return and discover another family has taken over your chairs and started eating your food. What should you do? Is this an innocent misunderstanding, a serious breach of beach etiquette, or the beginning of a dad-level confrontation? Joe and Devocite dig into the situation and consider how they would handle it. Finally, the episode closes with "How Do I...?", tackling one of the more challenging parts of parenting: when is it okay to let your kid fail? Joe and Devo discuss the importance of allowing children to experience failure, learn from their mistakes, and develop the skills they need to handle setbacks. Sometimes being a good parent means stepping back, resisting the urge to immediately fix everything, and giving your child the opportunity to figure things out for themselves. From Yoda and Uncle Iroh to GPS disasters, magazine-fueled dad jokes, We Are Legion (We Are Bob), workshop upgrades, beta reading, beach etiquette, and the difficult art of letting kids fail, this episode has a little bit of everything. It's another conversation filled with fatherhood, fandom, laughs, stories, and the kind of unexpected nerdy tangents you've come to expect from Wise_N_Nerdy. Whether you're a parent, a Star Wars fan, a fantasy fan, a sci-fi reader, a fan of dad jokes, or simply someone who enjoys conversations about parenting and geek culture, there's plenty here for you. Find your FAMdom and join Joe and Devocite for another adventure where fatherhood meets fandom! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could bring a piece of science fiction into the real world to make parenting just a little bit easier? Would you choose a Star Trek holodeck, a robotic helper like Rosie from The Jetsons, or perhaps sneak a little fantasy into the conversation with Hermione’s Time-Turner from Harry Potter? Those are just a few of the possibilities Charles and Joe consider in another wildly nerdy episode of Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom! The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What item from sci-fi would make parenting so much easier?” Charles and Joe explore the parenting possibilities of futuristic technology and fictional gadgets, with several science-fiction favorites making an appearance—and a couple of fantasy items sneaking into the discussion. Because when you're talking about making parenting easier, apparently the rules about what counts as sci-fi can get a little flexible! Then the Roll of the Dice sends the dads straight into some spectacularly terrible Bad Dad Jokes. The dice have spoken, and unfortunately, there is no technology in existence capable of preventing the groans that follow. Next up is “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where Joe introduces Charles to a new LitRPG he's been checking out: The Grand Game. Naturally, one LitRPG quickly turns into a much larger conversation as they discuss other popular titles in the genre, including The Primal Hunter and Dungeon Crawler Carl. If you're a fan of progression fantasy, LitRPG adventures, dungeon crawling, leveling systems, and stories where characters get increasingly ridiculous abilities, there's plenty here to fuel your reading—or listening—list. Meanwhile, Charles has something completely different to nerd out about: Dragon Con. After experiencing the convention, Charles shares his excitement about everything that makes Dragon Con such a unique celebration of fandom, from the incredible atmosphere to the people and experiences that make the convention memorable. The dice then bring us to the “Parliament of Papas”, where Charles and Joe react to a discussion about Dragon Con badge ribbons and Swag n Seek. Are convention ribbons and the hunt for swag creating problems, or are they simply another part of the fun and culture surrounding Dragon Con? The dads dig into the debate and consider the different perspectives surrounding convention etiquette, collectibles, and the sometimes chaotic nature of fandom. Finally, the episode wraps up with “Daddy, Tell Me A Story”, where Charles shares some exciting news about what's coming next in his professional life. He's getting ready to take on a new role as a teacher at an EMT training center, opening up a new chapter that combines his experience and knowledge with the opportunity to help train the next generation of emergency medical professionals. From futuristic parenting technology and terrible dad jokes to LitRPG recommendations, Dragon Con adventures, convention debates, and a major professional change, this episode is packed with the kind of unexpected twists and nerdy conversations you've come to expect from Wise_N_Nerdy. Whether you're a parent, a sci-fi fan, a LitRPG reader, a Dragon Con attendee, or just someone who enjoys a good dad joke, there's something here for you. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure where fatherhood meets fandom! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe is on vacation, so Drunk Uncle Phil is back in the house! This week, Charles and Phil are counting down the final days before Dragon Con while talking about the ridiculous amount of work that goes into making something look effortless—and why being the person who always says “I can do that” is sometimes a terrible career decision. Things get surprisingly real when the conversation turns to imposter syndrome, creative burnout, failure, and knowing when it’s okay to walk away from a project. The dads also head to the Parliament of Papas to tackle a complicated question: If a child wants to call their stepmom “Mom,” should anyone stop them? Along the way, things get appropriately Wise_N_Nerdy: Phil’s 40th birthday turns into a broken-down-car sitcom episode. Charles explains why his family doesn’t always appreciate his perfectly timed jokes. The secret to beating imposter syndrome might be getting comfortable with failing. Dragon Con is almost here, and nobody is pretending they’re ready. Phil discovers the danger of letting your boss know you’re good at things. A VERY questionable wine label proves Phil should occasionally be listened to. Charles learns that sometimes being an EMT means knowing when to keep your mouth shut. And somehow… “sperm donor” becomes a running joke. It’s fatherhood, fandom, friendship, creativity, and the usual amount of terrible decisions. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can Gandalf teach us about life? How did The Matrix convince Charles to try lo mein? Why are Charles and Joe—usually two dads with very different nerdy interests—suddenly united in their love for Spider-Man: Brand New Day? And exactly how much housework is enough housework? This week on Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom, Charles and Joe tackle all of those questions and plenty more in an episode packed with movies, conventions, parenting, terrible dad jokes, and some surprisingly serious conversations about relationships and household responsibilities. The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What’s the most unexpectedly deep life lesson you’ve learned from a piece of entertainment?” Joe pulls some wisdom from Gandalf, while Charles explains how The Matrix somehow inspired him to finally give lo mein a try. Because apparently, sometimes the path to personal growth runs through Middle-earth—and sometimes it runs through Chinese takeout. Then the Roll of the Dice determines what's next, and something incredibly rare happens: Charles and Joe are nerding out about the exact same thing! Both hosts dive into Spider-Man: Brand New Day, sharing their enthusiasm and singing the praises of a movie they thoroughly enjoyed. If you're a Spider-Man fan, this is one conversation you won't want to miss. Next up is “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where the conversation turns toward Dragon Con. Charles and Joe look back at their past convention experiences while also talking about what they're excited to see and do at Dragon Con 2026. Whether you're a longtime convention veteran or someone considering attending your first con, there's plenty of fandom-fueled excitement to go around. Of course, no episode of Wise_N_Nerdy would be complete without the Bad Dad Jokes. The dice have spoken, the fates have spoken, and unfortunately, the dads have jokes. Prepare yourself for some spectacularly terrible puns and the inevitable groans that follow. From there, the “How Do I...?” segment tackles one of the most dangerous territories at any convention: the vendor hall. Charles and Joe discuss some of the pitfalls shoppers can encounter, what they look for when browsing convention vendors, and how to make the most of the experience without walking away wondering how you somehow spent that much money. Finally, the Parliament of Papas weighs in on a Reddit relationship story involving a wife who believes her husband isn't pulling his weight around the house—even while acknowledging that he may actually be doing around 60% of the household work. Charles and Joe dig into the complexities of household responsibilities, expectations, communication, and why percentages alone may not tell the whole story. From unexpected life lessons and Spider-Man to Dragon Con, bad dad jokes, convention shopping, and relationship debates, this episode has a little something for every kind of nerd and every kind of parent. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join the conversation. Find your FAMdom with Wise_N_Nerdy! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What level of coffee snob would your favorite fictional character be? Would Captain America carefully curate the perfect cup, would The Hulk simply smash the coffee machine, or would the bizarre Worms from Men in Black somehow have the most sophisticated coffee preferences of them all? Charles and Joe kick off this episode of Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom with a hilarious Question of the Week that combines fandom, coffee culture, and plenty of ridiculous speculation. After the traditional Roll of the Dice, the show jumps straight into "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Joe shares his excitement over playing Lords of Waterdeep during his family reunion. He talks about the strategy, fun, and familiar board-game vibes that reminded him of Ticket to Ride, making it a perfect addition to a family gathering. Meanwhile, Charles is celebrating an exciting opportunity at Dragon Con, where he's getting to conduct interviews and connect with some incredible people as an official convention spokesperson. The dice then lead the hosts into the "Parliament of Papas", where Charles and Joe tackle a question from TheFullRunThrough: Should parents correct their children when they mispronounce words in an adorable or funny way? The conversation explores the balance between preserving those precious childhood moments and making sure kids eventually learn the correct pronunciation. Naturally, no Wise_N_Nerdy episode would be complete without a Bad Dad Joke, and this week's contribution involves skydiving. Prepare yourself for another joke that is almost certainly better at making you groan than it is at making you laugh. Next, the "How Do I...?" segment takes on a challenge many parents eventually face: How do you support your child's obsession when it's something you're not interested in yourself? Charles and Joe dive deep into the importance of showing up for your kids, learning about the things they love, asking questions, and finding ways to connect even when their hobbies aren't your personal cup of tea. It's a thoughtful conversation about parenting, connection, and reminding our children that their passions matter because they matter. Finally, the episode wraps with "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Charles shares a memorable—and decidedly unpleasant—family story involving his wife suffering from severe food poisoning that ultimately resulted in an emergency room visit. It's another reminder that family memories aren't always the glamorous adventures; sometimes they're the stories you tell years later because you can't believe they actually happened. From fictional coffee preferences and board games to Dragon Con, parenting dilemmas, terrible dad jokes, supporting your kids' passions, and an unexpected trip to the ER, this episode has plenty of laughs, nerdy enthusiasm, and genuine fatherhood wisdom. So grab your favorite coffee, settle in, and join the conversation. Whether you're a board-game fan, anime and pop-culture enthusiast, convention-goer, or parent trying to navigate the wonderfully chaotic journey of raising kids, there's a place for you here. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure where family, fandom, and fun come together. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe is still out exploring the world, so Charles is joined once again by fan-favorite John Devocite for another episode filled with music, memories, maker projects, and wonderfully nerdy rabbit holes. From the songs that shaped who they are—from Alice in Chains and the Bee Gees to Weird Al and Broadway—they explore how music becomes the soundtrack to our biggest moments and sometimes even helps us survive our darkest ones. Then the conversation shifts into the joy of curiosity itself. Whether it's woodworking, mesh networking, podcasting, or taking apart electronics just to see how they work, Charles and John celebrate the mindset that keeps creators creating. Toss in dad jokes, Dragon Con talk, and a reminder that perfection is overrated, and you've got another episode proving that fatherhood and fandom make a pretty incredible combination. Featured Quote "I think curiosity is one of the best traits anybody can have... it makes all the difference in your daily life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Wise_N_Nerdy, Joe's out, so I called in one of my favorite people to cause absolute chaos: Josh Cooper from Uploads of Fun and my co-host on The Little Brown Pill. We somehow go from debating the worst fictional roommate ever to reliving embarrassing stories, Dragon Con, burgers, mushrooms, and enough coffee talk to make a barista question their life choices. If you've ever wondered what happens when two friends are given microphones and zero adult supervision... this is it. Then things really go off the rails. We answer the age-old question of how to become a full-fledged coffee snob, roast everything from Starbucks to mushroom coffee, argue over fast food burgers, tell stories that probably should've stayed private, and somehow end up discussing ThunderCats, Fight Club, Pokémon cards, and whether Pig-Pen would be the roommate from hell. It's the kind of conversation that only makes sense while you're listening—and somehow gets funnier the deeper it goes. If you like nerd culture, dad humor, caffeine-fueled debates, and two guys chasing every rabbit trail they can find without ever losing the fun, this episode is for you. Grab your favorite mug, hit play, and come hang out with us. Just don't blame us if you suddenly find yourself shopping for a pour-over kit by the end of the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How useful would your superpower really be? Could you save the world… or would you simply be able to grow your fingernails 1% faster? Joe is joined by returning guest Stephen Adams for another hilarious and heartfelt episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, where fatherhood, fandom, and plenty of laughs collide. The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: "What would be the most useless superpower imaginable?" The conversation quickly spirals into comedic territory as the hosts imagine powers that no superhero would ever want. From instantly knowing when milk has expired to voluntarily making your eyes lose focus, Joe and Stephen prove that not every superpower deserves its own comic book. As always, the Roll of the Dice determines the journey, landing first on "Daddy, Tell Me A Story." Joe and Stephen reminisce about some of the mischievous adventures from their younger days, sharing stories of sneaking into places they probably shouldn't have been. Joe recalls his family floating down a river to watch hydroplane races without paying admission, while other tales include clever movie theater side-door strategies and youthful antics that make for unforgettable memories. Next comes a generous helping of Bad Dad Jokes, featuring groan-worthy contributions from Bob, Stephen, and Joe. The puns are terrible, the timing is impeccable, and the laughs are absolutely unavoidable. The dice then roll into "How Do I...?", where the hosts discuss one of the most valuable life skills parents can teach: critical thinking. In an age of social media, misinformation, and endless online content, Joe and Stephen explore practical ways to encourage children to ask questions, evaluate sources, think independently, and—perhaps most importantly—not believe everything they read on the internet. From there, it's time for "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Stephen shares his enthusiasm for HITMAN World of Assassination, praising the freedom, creativity, and replayability that have made the series a favorite among stealth gaming fans. Joe, meanwhile, has been enjoying the cozy fantasy anime The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, celebrating its relaxing atmosphere, charming characters, and comforting blend of fantasy and food. The episode wraps up with "Parliament of Papas," where the hosts react to a Reddit story involving a groomsman who refuses to buy a green suit for an upcoming wedding because he'll only wear it once—and it's going to be unbearably hot. The discussion turns into a fun debate about wedding expectations, balancing comfort with commitment, and when it's worth making a sacrifice for the people you care about. Whether you're laughing at ridiculous superpowers, reminiscing about childhood adventures, picking up parenting advice, discovering your next favorite game or anime, or enjoying another avalanche of Bad Dad Jokes, this episode has something for every geek and every parent. Join the conversation, celebrate your passions, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. Want to learn more about this week's guest? Visit Stephen Adams at https://www.thatstephenadams.com. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you do if you woke up inside a video game? Would you start gathering resources, search for the nearest quest giver, or spend the first few minutes desperately trying to figure out whether you're living in Animal Crossing or trapped inside Resident Evil? Joe and special guest Philip D. Keating kick off another fun-filled episode of Wise_N_Nerdy by answering this week's Question of the Week, leading to a hilarious discussion about survival, strategy, and the importance of knowing exactly what kind of game world you've landed in. The Roll of the Dice sends the hosts first to "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Joe shares his latest anime obsession, The Cat and the Dragon, a delightfully goofy series that's full of charm and humor. Phil, meanwhile, is eagerly anticipating everything the Nintendo Switch 2 has to offer, with a particular excitement for the newest Star Fox adventure and what it could mean for longtime Nintendo fans. Next up is "How Do I...?", where Joe and Phil tackle an important parenting topic: How do you help your kids build genuine self-esteem and learn to love themselves? Through thoughtful conversation, the hosts explore the power of encouragement, celebrating effort over perfection, modeling healthy confidence, and creating an environment where children know they are valued for who they are—not just what they accomplish. The dice then land on "Parliament of Papas," where the hosts react to an unforgettable story about a teenager working in a coffee shop who secretly teamed up with his manager to pretend he was getting fired whenever customers became unnecessarily rude. The discussion dives into customer behavior, workplace humor, standing up for employees, and why kindness costs nothing. No episode would be complete without a healthy helping of Bad Dad Jokes, and this week delivers a wonderfully painful collection of puns centered around the paranormal and poetry. The groans are plentiful, the laughs are unavoidable, and the Wise_N_Nerdy tradition lives on. Finally, the episode concludes with "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Joe and Phil swap some of their most memorable travel horror stories. From flight delays and airport mishaps to the unpredictable chaos that seems to follow travel plans, the hosts prove that sometimes the best stories come from the trips that didn't go quite as expected. Whether you're imagining life inside your favorite video game, discovering a new anime, getting excited for the next generation of Nintendo, looking for parenting encouragement, or simply enjoying some spectacularly bad dad jokes, this episode has something for every nerd, parent, and lifelong fan. Join the conversation, celebrate what you love, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when fatherhood meets fandom, nostalgia, anime, and one of the strangest parenting debates imaginable? You get another unforgettable episode of Wise_N_Nerdy with Charles and Joe! The episode begins with the Question of the Week: "What actor would be the most powerful if they inherited the abilities of every character they've ever portrayed?" It's an entertaining thought experiment as the hosts debate Hollywood heavyweights like Ryan Reynolds, Liam Neeson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Between superheroes, sorcerers, assassins, and action legends, the conversation quickly becomes a battle of fictional power levels and cinematic legacies. As always, the Roll of the Dice determines the adventure, landing first on "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Charles shares his excitement about collaborating with fellow content creators, including Josh Cooper from Uploads of Fun. He talks about the creative energy that comes from working alongside passionate people who love building great communities. Meanwhile, Joe has been diving into the premiere of The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System, a fresh isekai anime that immediately caught his attention with its distinctive animation style and unique approach to the genre. The dice then send the hosts into the "How Do I...?" segment, where they tackle an important parenting question: How should you interact with the people your kids are dating? Charles and Joe discuss finding the balance between being welcoming, setting healthy boundaries, showing genuine interest, and creating an environment where relationships can develop with honesty and mutual respect. No episode of Wise_N_Nerdy would be complete without a healthy dose of terrible humor, and this week's Bad Dad Jokes deliver exactly that. Thanks to contributions from the Wise_N_Nerdy Discord community, listeners are treated to another barrage of puns, groans, and laugh-out-loud moments that have become a beloved tradition. Next comes "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Charles and Joe take a nostalgic trip back to the cartoons that helped define their childhoods. From the unforgettable storytelling of Spider-Man and X-Men to the darker themes and rich world-building of Gargoyles, the hosts celebrate the animated series that shaped a generation of fans and continue to hold a special place in their hearts. The episode wraps up with "Parliament of Papas," featuring a hilariously relatable discussion inspired by a scenario involving someone using another person's toothbrush. The hosts weigh in on personal hygiene, boundaries, and exactly why this particular habit ranks so high on the list of universally disgusting experiences. Whether you're debating overpowered movie actors, discovering new anime, reminiscing about classic 90s cartoons, navigating parenting challenges, or simply enjoying a few painfully bad dad jokes, this episode delivers another perfect blend of humor, heart, and geek culture. Join the conversation, celebrate your passions, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Wise_N_Nerdy, where fatherhood and fandom collide for another unforgettable adventure filled with laughs, nostalgia, parenting wisdom, and plenty of geeky discussion! This week's Question of the Week asks a surprisingly thought-provoking question: "Which villain would actually make a great parent?" Charles and Joe explore iconic antagonists who may not be as evil as they seem when it comes to family. From The Vulture and Magneto to Spawn and Greed from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the hosts debate which villains possess the loyalty, sacrifice, and protective instincts that could actually make them outstanding parents. The Roll of the Dice sends everyone first to Parliament of Papas, where the hosts tackle a parenting dilemma involving a father who promised his son a reward worth up to $200 for finishing the school year strong—but now the child has his sights set on the highly sought-after Nintendo Switch 2. Charles and Joe discuss keeping promises, managing expectations, and balancing generosity with practical parenting. Next comes everyone's favorite palate cleanser: Bad Dad Jokes! Bob, Nolan, and Devo unleash a barrage of puns and groan-worthy punchlines guaranteed to make you laugh, cringe, and question why you keep coming back for more. The dice then land on What Are You Nerding Out About? Charles shares his excitement as preparations ramp up for Dragon Con, including his role as one of the convention's official spokespeople and interviewer. Joe, meanwhile, has fallen headfirst into The Primal Hunter series by Zogarth, praising the addictive LitRPG adventure and its immersive audiobook experience. From there, it's time for Daddy, Tell Me A Story, where the hosts reminisce about some of their favorite childhood gaming memories. Charles recalls countless hours spent exploring the groundbreaking world of Half-Life, while Joe fondly remembers battling through the notoriously challenging Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game on the NES. It's a nostalgic celebration of the games that helped shape two lifelong nerds. The episode concludes with How Do I...?, where Charles and Joe discuss one of the most valuable skills in today's information-rich world: How do you choose creators worth learning from? Rather than chasing popularity alone, the hosts explain how they evaluate creators based on expertise, consistency, humility, and demonstrated results, offering concrete examples of the voices they trust and why. Whether you're debating comic book villains, laughing through terrible dad jokes, reliving classic video games, preparing for Dragon Con, or searching for creators who genuinely add value to your life, this episode has something for every fan. Join the conversation, embrace your passions, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Wise_N_Nerdy podcast, Joe is joined by special guest host and fantasy author Ben Meeks for an episode packed with life lessons, fandom, convention stories, and plenty of dad-powered humor. Whether you're a fan of books, gaming, anime, or thoughtful parenting discussions, this episode has something for everyone as we continue to help listeners Find your FAMdom. The adventure begins with the Question of the Week: "What are the best lessons you learned from your parents?" Joe, Ben, and the Wise_N_Nerdy community reflect on the wisdom that shaped them into the people they are today. Topics range from developing a strong work ethic and learning perseverance through adversity to becoming an independent thinker willing to question traditions and challenge assumptions. The discussion is both heartfelt and inspiring, highlighting how parental influence can echo through generations. As always, the roll of the dice determines the show's path, and the first stop is the "How Do I...?" segment. This time, the hosts discuss one of the biggest obstacles to personal growth: the fear of failure. Joe and Ben explore practical ways to cultivate a mindset that views mistakes as learning opportunities rather than reasons to quit. Whether you're learning a new hobby, developing a professional skill, or helping your children navigate challenges, their advice emphasizes persistence, resilience, and the importance of giving yourself permission to improve over time. Next, the dice deliver a welcome dose of groan-worthy comedy as Bob returns with a collection of Bad Dad Jokes. The puns fly, the eye-rolls intensify, and listeners are reminded once again that no Wise_N_Nerdy episode is complete without a healthy serving of cringe-inducing humor. The fates then guide the conversation into "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Ben shares how he first met author Bob McGough and how that friendship eventually led to them sharing author tables at conventions across the region. The story provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at convention life, networking within the writing community, and the relationships that help creative careers grow. Listeners interested in Ben's work can learn more about his novels and upcoming projects at https://www.authorbenmeeks.com/. The dice then roll into "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Ben enthusiastically discusses the cooperative gameplay of Helldivers 2, praising the teamwork, chaos, and memorable moments that make the game such a blast with friends. Meanwhile, Joe continues his anime journey by talking about Monster Eater, a series he freely admits may not be a masterpiece, but one that remains entertaining enough to keep him coming back for more. It's a perfect example of how fandom doesn't always have to be critically acclaimed to be enjoyable. Finally, the episode concludes with a lively "Parliament of Papas" discussion centered around a Reddit story involving a property line dispute. Joe and Ben examine the challenges of neighbor relationships, property ownership, and conflict resolution while sharing their own perspectives on how situations like these can escalate when communication breaks down. From valuable life lessons and convention stories to gaming, anime, and classic dad jokes, this episode showcases everything that makes Wise_N_Nerdy such a unique blend of fatherhood and fandom. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices